System for automated charging management

ABSTRACT

A system for managing automated charging, the automated charging management system is provided. The system comprises a charging cord management device, a charging cord connector, a power supply, a device, a first charging cord, and a second charging cord. The charging cord management device is configured to locate the power supply. The charging cord management device is configured to align the second charging cord and the charging cord connector with the power supply. The charging cord connector is configured to be in contact with the power supply without user interaction.

This application claims priority to, and is a Continuation-in-part of,U.S. application Ser. No. 16/725,112, filed on Dec. 23, 2019, nowallowed, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a system for charging management and,in particular relates to a system for automated charging management.

BACKGROUND

Maintaining a supply of electrical current to electronic devices,especially electronic devices including a battery positioned off thefloor, often requires connecting to a charging cord manually by a user.Also, the charging cord may be long, thus user experience of connectingto the charging cord to charge an electronic device positioned off thefloor may need to be improved.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system that can automaticallyconnect to and disconnect from the charging cord and charge to theelectronic devices. It may charge the electronic devices automaticallyand without user interaction, at night, at a predetermined time oranytime of the day.

SUMMARY

The technical problems to be solved by this present disclosure are toprovide a system for managing automated charging. The automated chargingmanagement system comprises a charging cord management device; acharging cord connector; a first charging cord; and a second chargingcord.

In some embodiments, the charging cord connector is connected with thesecond charging cord.

In some embodiments, the charging cord management device is configuredto search for a power supply within range of the charging cordmanagement device without user interaction.

In some embodiments, the charging cord management device is configuredto locate the power supply without user interaction, when it isdetermined that the power supply is within range of the charging cordmanagement device.

In some embodiments, the charging cord management device is configuredto control the second charging cord and the charging cord connector in adirection of the earth gravitational field from a first altitude to asecond altitude without user interaction and wherein the first altitudeis different from the second altitude.

In some embodiments, the charging cord connector is configured to be incontact with the power supply without user interaction.

In some embodiments, wherein the charging cord management device furthercomprises a charging cord driving device.

In some embodiments, the charging cord management device furthercomprises a port.

In some embodiments, the charging cord management device furthercomprises a charging cord support member.

In some embodiments, the charging cord management device furthercomprises external charging cord driving devices.

In some embodiments, the charging cord connector further comprises amotor and a position sensor.

In some embodiments, the charging cord connector further comprises awireless communication interface.

In some embodiments, the first charging cord is affixed and stored in adevice to be charged, and wherein the first charging cord furthercomprises features of automatic retraction and dispensation.

In some embodiments, the second charging cord is stored inside thecharging cord management device.

In some embodiments, the first and the second charging cord areconfigured to include feature of gravitational deformation.

In some embodiments, the power supply further comprises a power storage.

In some embodiments, the power supply is further configured to includefeature of motion capability, positioning and data communication.

In some embodiments, each of the charging cord management device, thecharging cord connector, the power supply further comprises a bus, aprocessing unit, a system memory, a read-only memory, a permanentstorage device, an input device interface, an output device interface,and a network interface.

In some embodiments, the power supply further comprises a charging cordconnector bracket to secure the connection between the charging cordconnector and the power supply.

In some embodiments, the charging cord connector bracket is furtherconfigured to be operated by a spring, electromagnetic force or a motor.

In some embodiments, the port is further configured to be located at anyposition of the charging cord management device.

In some embodiments, the charging cord management device furthercomprises a guiding wheel or a ring.

In some embodiments, the charging cord management device is configuredto sense a power capacity of the device at a pre-determined time beforethe charging cord management device is configured to search for a powersupply within range of the charging cord management device without userinteraction.

In some embodiments, the charging cord management device is configuredto detect that no motion is in proximity of the charging cord managementdevice or the device, before the charging cord management device isconfigured to search for a power supply within range of the chargingcord management device without user interaction.

In some embodiments, the charging cord management device furthercomprises a motor, and wherein the motor is wirelessly operated toselectively extend or retract the second charging cord, based on anindication of an electric power capacity of the device, or an indicationof proximity of the power supply, or an indication of the electric powercapacity of the power supply.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims.However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subjecttechnology are set forth in the following figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord connectorand an exemplary power supply according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates an example processor system with whichone or more implementations of the subject technology can beimplemented.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management according to yet another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofvarious configurations of the subject technology and is not intended torepresent the only configurations in which the subject technology may bepracticed. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitutea part of the detailed description. The detailed description includesspecific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understandingof the subject technology. However, the subject technology is notlimited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practicedwithout these specific details. In some instances, structures andcomponents are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuringthe concepts of the subject technology.

It is to be understood that aspects of the present disclosure will bedescribed in terms of a given illustrative architecture; however, otherarchitectures, structures, materials and process features and steps canbe varied within the scope of aspects of the present disclosure.

It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being“on” or “over” another element, it can be directly on the other elementor intervening elements can also be present. In contrast, when anelement is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly over” anotherelement, there are no intervening elements present.

It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements can bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyconnected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are nointervening elements present.

The present embodiments can include a design for a system, which mayinclude multiple features or combinations of features. Some or allfeatures may or may not be present on the devices in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”,as well as other variations thereof, means that a particular feature,structure, characteristic, and so forth described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearancesof the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment”, as well anyother variations, appearing in various places throughout thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

It is to be appreciated that the use of any of the following “/”,“and/or”, and “at least one of”, for example, in the cases of “A/B”, “Aand/or B” and “at least one of A and B”, is intended to encompass theselection of the first listed option (A) only, or the selection of thesecond listed option (B) only, or the selection of both options (A andB). As a further example, in the cases of “A, B, and/or C” and “at leastone of A, B, and C”, such phrasing is intended to encompass theselection of the first listed option (A) only, or the selection of thesecond listed option (B) only, or the selection of the third listedoption (C) only, or the selection of the first and the second listedoptions (A and B) only, or the selection of the first and third listedoptions (A and C) only, or the selection of the second and third listedoptions (B and C) only, or the selection of all three options (A and Band C). This can be extended, as readily apparent by one of ordinaryskill in this and related arts, for as many items listed.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exampleembodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including”, when usedherein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presenceor addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, components and/or groups thereof.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”,“upper”, and the like, can be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element's or feature's relationship to another element (s)or feature (s) as illustrated in the FIGS. It will be understood thatthe spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the FIGS. For example, if the device in theFIGS. is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly. In addition, itwill also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being“between” two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers,or one or more intervening layers can also be present.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. canbe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another element. Thus, a first element discussed belowcould be termed a second element without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

It is to be understood that the present embodiments are not limited tothe specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/orshown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about”or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or“approximately” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about”, it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

In the present disclosure, it would be desirable to have a system thatcan automatically connect to and disconnect from the charging cord andcharge to the electronic devices. One or more charging cords may befully or partially stored in the system to automatically connect to andcharge the electronic devices without user interaction, at night, at apredetermined time or anytime of the day. One or more charging cords maybe fully or partially stored in the system to automatically disconnectfrom the electronic devices without user interaction, at night, at apredetermined time or anytime of the day, upon an indication that theelectronic devices are fully charged.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an exemplary system 100 for providingautomated charging cord management comprises a charging cord managementdevice 102, a charging cord connector 104, a power supply 106, a device108, a first charging cord 110 and a second charging cord 112. Accordingto one embodiment of the present disclosure, the charging cordmanagement device 102 may be configured to store one or more chargingcords and perform charging management. The charging cord managementdevice 102 can be installed on one or more walls, ceiling, doors,windows, and/or items and parts connected to the walls, ceilings, doors,windows. The charging cord management device 102 can be installed assurface mount, as fully or partially inserted. The charging cordmanagement device 102 may connected to the charging cord connector 104using the second charging cord 112.

The charging cord management device 102 may include a reel, an openingand a motor to drive the reel, or other suitable cord managementdevices. The second charging cord 112 may be wound on the reel, andextends through the opening. Accordingly, by operation of the motor todrive the reel, a selected length of the second charging cord 112 may beselectively unwound from the charging cord management device 102, orwound on the reel and retracted into the charging cord management device102. The charging cord management device 102, may be remote-controlled.In some embodiments, the charging cord management device 102, such asthe motor, may include a communication module, so it may transmit orreceive information wirelessly. In some embodiments, the charging cordmanagement device 102, such as the motor may be wirelessly operated toselectively extend or retract the second charging cord 112, based on anindication of the electric power capacity of the device 108. In someembodiments, the charging cord management device 102, such as the motormay be wirelessly operated to selectively dispense or retract the secondcharging cord 112, based on an indication of proximity of power supply106. In some embodiments, the charging cord management device 102, suchas the motor may be wirelessly operated to selectively dispense orretract the second charging cord 112, based on an indication of theelectric power capacity of power supply 106.

The charging cord connector 104 may be configured to connect to a powersource, such as the power supply 106. The charging cord connector 104may connect to the power supply 106 by magnetic force, electromagneticfield or gravity. The charging cord connector 104 may include one ormore motion capabilities to maneuver and connect to the power supply106. The charging cord connector 104 may be configured to positioned tobe in general alignment of the power supply 106. In some embodiments,the charging cord connector 104 may include a communication module, soit may transmit or receive information wirelessly. For example, thecharging cord connector 104 may include a Bluetooth module to transmitand receive position information and data. The charging cord connector104 may be configured to move towards the power supply 106, for example,based on an indication of proximity of power supply 106. The chargingcord connector 104 may be configured to transmit a signal, such aswireless signal, to the power supply 106 to move towards the chargingcord connector 104. Each of the charging cord connector 104 and thepower supply 106 may be configured to move towards each other to enhancethe proximity of each other, based on, for example, the positions of thecharging cord connector 104 and the power supply 106 transmittedwirelessly. In some embodiments, the charging cord connector 104 maytransmit operation status information to the charging cord managementdevice 102. For example, the charging cord connector 104 may beconfigured to inform the charging cord management device 102 that thepower supply is connected to the charging cord connector 104.

The power supply 106 may include an internal power storage, such as abattery within the power supply 106. In some embodiments, the powersupply 106 may be powered by an external power supply and/or beconfigured to transfer power from the external power source. In someembodiments, the power supply 106 may include features including one ormore motion capabilities, positioning capabilities to the charging cordmanagement device 102 and/or the charging cord connector 104.

In some embodiments, the motion capabilities may include that the powersupply 106 may be configured to move. In some embodiments, thepositioning capabilities may include that the power supply 106 may beconfigured to locate itself to a location, for example, by using one ormore GPS location service. In some embodiments, the power supply 106 maybe configured to locate the charging cord management device 102 and/orthe charging cord connector 104, to move in proximity of the chargingcord connector 104, to be contact with the charging cord connector 104and supply power to the charging cord connector 104, based on anindication that the device 108 needs to be charged. In some embodiments,the power supply 106 may be configured to disconnect from the chargingcord connector 104, based on an indication that the device 108 is fullycharged. In some embodiments, the power supply 106 may be configured todisconnect from the charging cord connector 104, based on an indicationthat power capacity of the power supply 106 is below a predeterminedthreshold. In some embodiments, the power supply 106 may be configuredto move to an external power supply to charge itself if the powercapacity of the power supply 106 is below a predetermined threshold.

The charging cord management device 102, the charging cord connector 104and the power supply 106 may each include one or more electronic systemsto perform one or more capabilities, as will be discussed further belowwith respect to FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, the device 108 may include a device needs to becharged, such as a battery system. In some embodiments, the device 108can be installed inside or outside of a building structure. The device108 may be connected to the charging cord management device 102 usingthe first charging cord 110. The first charging cord 110 may be affixedto and stored in the device 108 and may include feature of automaticretraction and dispensation. The first charging cord 110 and the secondcharging cord 112 can be configured to transfer electrical power and/ordata. The first charging cord 110 and the second charging cord 112 mayenter, exit and/or pass through from any position of the charging cordmanagement device 102. In some embodiments, the first charging cord 110and the second charging cord 112 can be in shape of round, square,rectangle, triangle, parallelogram, and/or oval, or any other shape. Thefirst charging cord 110 and the second charging cord 112 may include afeature of gravitational deformation. In some embodiments, the secondcharging cord 112 can be fully or partially retracted into or dispensedfrom the charging cord management device 102 manually or automatically.The second charging cord 112 can be dispensed from the charging cordmanagement device 102 until the length of the second charging cord 112is sufficient to connect the charging cord connector 104 and the powersupply 106.

In some embodiments, the charging process of the device 108 can beconducted automatically, for example at night, and/or at anypre-determined time. In some embodiments, the charging process of thedevice 108 can be conducted automatically, for example, when thecharging cord management device 102, and/or the charging cord connector104 are configured to detect that no user is in the proximity of thedevice 108, the charging cord management device 102, and/or the chargingcord connector 104, such as no motion is detected.

In one example, the charging cord management device 102 may beconfigured to sense that the power capacity of the device 108 at apre-determined time, for example, 10 pm at night. In some embodiments,if the power capacity of the device 108 is below a per-determinedthreshold, the charging cord management device 102 may be configured tolocate if the power supply 106 is within a range. In some embodiments,if the power supply 106 is determined to be within a range of thecharging cord management device 102, charging cord management device 102may be configured to align and/or move the second charging cord 112and/or the charging cord connector 104 to be in proximity of the powersupply 106, as will be described in detailed with reference to FIGS.2A-2C, FIGS. 3A-3B and FIGS. 4A-4C. The charging cord management device102 may be configured to be in contact with the power supply 106 totransmit the power from the power supply 106 to the device 108. In thisprocess, the charging cord management device 102 may manage to extendthe second charging cord 112 to facilitate the contact with the powersupply 106. The charging cord management device 102 may be configured toretract the second charging cord 112 and/or the charging cord connector104 to disconnect from the power supply 106, for example, based on anindication from the electronic device 108 is fully charged.

In one example, the charging cord management device 102 may beconfigured to locate the power supply 106 is not within a range. In someembodiments, the charging cord management device 102 may be configuredto manage the second charging cord 112 to move in proximity of the powersupply 106, as will be described in detailed with reference to FIGS.2A-2C, FIGS. 3A-3B and FIGS. 4A-4C. In some embodiments, the powersupply 106 may be configured to move in proximity of the charging cordconnector 104, upon an indication that the power supply 106 is notwithin a range of the charging cord management device 102.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, an exemplary charging cord management device102A comprises a charging cord driving device 202, a port 204 and thesecond charging cord 112.

The charging cord management device 102A may include the charging cordmanagement device 102 in FIG. 1. The charging cord driving device 202may be located in the center of the charging cord management device102A. In some embodiments, the charging cord driving device 202 mayinclude a cord reel, which may be configured to retract or dispense thesecond charging cord 112 by an external non-powered driving force or apowered device, such as a motor, or both. By retracting or releasing thesecond charging cord 112, the charging cord connector 104 and the powersupply 106 may be connected to provide power through the second chargingcord 112 and the charging cord management device 102A or disconnected.In some embodiments, the charging cord driving device 202 may includeone or more electronic systems to provide features including timingcontrol, driving torque control, position limiting, remote control,external wireless or wired communication, current control, voltagecontrol, manual operation, switched power operation, battery chargelevel monitoring, human body sensing, light sensing, infrared sensing.

The port 204 may allow the second charging cord 112 to pass through,thus the second charging cord 112 can be retracted into or dispensedfrom the charging cord management device 112A. According to someembodiments, the port 204 can be located on the side, at the bottom orat the top of the charging cord management device 102A.

As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the charging cordmanagement device 102 may be configured to locate the power supply 106is not within a range or within a range. In some embodiments, thecharging cord management device 102A may be configured to dispense thesecond charging cord 112 through the port 204 to move in proximity ofthe power supply 106, by using the charging cord driving device 202. Insome embodiments, the charging cord management device 102 may beconfigured to retract the second charging cord 112 through the port 204to move away from the power supply 106, by using the charging corddriving device 202.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the charging cord management device 102Acomprises the charging cord driving device 202, the port 204 and thesecond charging cord 112. As shown in FIG. 2B, the port 204 may belocated at the top of the charging cord management device 102A. Thesecond charging cord 112 may be retracted or dispensed at the top of thecharging cord management device 102A.

FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the charging cord management device 102Acomprises the charging cord driving device 202, the port 204 and thesecond charging cord 112. As shown in FIG. 2C, the port 204 may belocated at the bottom of the charging cord management device 102A. Thesecond charging cord 112 may be retracted or dispensed at the bottom ofthe charging cord management device 102A.

The position of the port 204 may not be limited to the illustration asshown in FIGS. 2A-2C. The port 204 may be located at any part of thecharging cord management device 102A. In some embodiments, one or moreextra structures may be used to support and guide the second chargingcord 112.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, an exemplary charging cord management device102B comprises a charging cord support member 302, the charging corddriving device 202, the port 204 and the second charging cord 112.

The charging cord support member 302 may be used to guide and supportthe second charging cord 112 during charging process. The charging cord112 may be inserted through the charging cord support member 302, whichmay be connected with the port 204, thus the charging cord supportmember 302 can be retracted or extended through the port 204. Thecharging cord support member 302 can be fixed or protruding extended bya spring loading or other driving force, such as a motor. The chargingcord support member 302 can be selectively adjusted or positionedmanually or by operation of the motor to enhance the proximity of thecharging cord connector 104 and the power supply 106. The motor mayinclude wireless control module, thus the charging cord support member302 may be adjusted or positioned wirelessly. The charging cord supportmember 302 may be selectively adjusted from the position shown in solidlines, as located outside the charging cord management device 102B tothe position in phantom lines as located inside the charging cordmanagement device 102B in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the charging cord management device 102Bcomprises the charging cord support member 302, the charging corddriving device 202, and the second charging cord 112.

The charging cord support member 302 can be installed at a fixed angleor angular swing by spring loading or other driving force. One end ofthe charging cord support beam 302 may be affixed to the charging cordmanagement device, the other end of the charging cord support beam 302can be free and adjustable to guide the second charging cord 112 awayfrom the charging cord management device 102B. The charging cord supportbeam 302 may be fully retracted inside the charging cord managementdevice 102B. The charging cord support member 302 may be operatedmanually or by a motor. The charging cord support member 302 may alsoinclude a wireless control module to operate the motor, thus thecharging cord support member 302 may be adjusted wirelessly. Thecharging cord support member 302 can be selectively pivoted from thestraight, vertical position shown in phantom lines to the angledposition shown in solid lines in FIG. 3B.

In some embodiments, the power supply 106 may be located at a distancefrom the charging cord management device 102, additional devices may beused to route the second charging cord 112, so the charging cordconnector 104 can connect to the power supply 106.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, an exemplary charging cord management device102C comprises a charging cord driving device 402, the second chargingcord 112 and the port 204. The charging cord management device 102C mayinclude a reel to store the second charging cord 112, a motor to operatethe reel, and a wireless control module to operate the motor.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the charging cord driving device 402 may be aguiding wheel or a ring. The port 204 may be located on the side of thecharging cord management device 102C. The second charging cord 112 canbe guided using the charging cord driving device 402 to connect thecharging cord connector 104 and the power supply 106.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, an exemplary charging cord management device102C comprises charging cord driving devices 404, 406, the secondcharging cord 112 and the port 204. The charging cord management device102C may include a reel to store the second charging cord 112, a motorto operate the reel, and a wireless control module to operate the motor.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the charging cord driving device 404 and/or 406 mayinclude a guiding wheel or a ring. The port 204 may be located at thetop of the charging cord management device 102C. The second chargingcord 112 can be guided using the charging cord driving device 404 and406 to connect the charging cord connector 104 and the power supply 106.

FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord managementdevice according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 4C, an exemplary charging cord management device102C comprises charging cord driving devices 408, 410, 412, the secondcharging cord 112 and the port 204. The charging cord management device102C may include a reel to store the second charging cord 112, a motorto operate the reel, and a wireless control module to operate the motor.The charging cord driving device 408, 410 and 412 may include a guidingwheel or a ring. The port 204 may be located on the side of the chargingcord management device 102C. The second charging cord 112 can be guidedusing the charging cord driving device 408, 410, and 412 to form anydesired route to connect the charging cord connector 104 and the powersupply 106.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary charging cord connectorand an exemplary power supply according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, an exemplary charging cord connector and anexemplary power supply comprise the charging cord connector 104, thepower supply 106, the second charging cord 112, a first bracket 502 anda second bracket 504, a first spring 506 and a second spring 508, afirst hinge 510 and a second hinge 512, a first electrode 514 and asecond electrode 516.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first bracket 502 and/or the second bracket 504may include a bracket to fit the shape of the charging cord connector104. The charging cord connector 104 may be securely fixed in one ormore positions by the first bracket 502 and/or the second bracket 504during a charging process. For example, the first bracket 502 and/or thesecond bracket 504 may include a clamp. The first hinge 510 and thesecond hinge 512 may be used to affix the first bracket 502 and/or thesecond bracket 504 to the power supply 106, thus the position of thefirst bracket 502 and/or the second bracket 504 may be selectivelyadjusted. In some embodiments, the first bracket 502 may be configuredto be in contact with the charging cord connector 104 and controlled bythe first spring 506. In some embodiments, the second bracket 504 may beconfigured to be in contact with the charging cord connector 104 andcontrolled by the second spring 508. In some embodiments, the firstbracket 502 and/or the second bracket 504 may be controlled by one ormore external driving forces to be in contact with the charging cordconnector 104, such as for example, one or more electromagnetic forcesand motors, for example, when the charging cord connector 104 is inproximity with the power supply 106. The first electrode 514 and thesecond electrode 516 may be used to transfer electrical power from thepower supply 106 to the charging cord connector 104. In someembodiments, the first electrode 514 may be tightly connected and incontract with the second electrode 516 when the charging cord connector104 is configured to be securely locked in a position by the firstbracket 502 and the second bracket 504.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first bracket 502 and the second bracket 504 maybe selectively adjusted to the position shown in solid lines, as toconfigure the charging cord connector 104 to be in contact with thepower supply 106 during a charging process. The first bracket 502 and/orthe second bracket 504 may be selectively adjusted to the position shownin phantom lines, as to disconnect the charging cord connector 104 fromthe power supply 106 after the charging process is completed.

FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates an example processor system with whichone or more implementations of the subject technology can beimplemented.

As shown in FIG. 6, an example electronic system 600 with which one ormore implementations of the subject technology can be implemented. Thecharging cord management device 102, the charging cord connector 104 andthe power supply 106 may each include one or more electronic system 600,for example, may be, or may include, one or more wearable devices, acomputing device, a tablet device, and/or generally any electronicdevice. Such an electronic system 600 includes various types of computerreadable media and interfaces for various other types of computerreadable media. The electronic system 600 includes a bus 608, one ormore processing unit(s) 612, a system memory 604, a read-only memory(ROM) 610, a permanent storage device 602, an input device interface614, an output device interface 606, one or more network interface(s)616, and/or subsets and variations thereof.

The bus 608 collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipsetbuses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices of theelectronic system 600. In one or more embodiments, the bus 608communicatively connects the one or more processing unit(s) 612 with theROM 610, the system memory 604, and the permanent storage device 602.From these various memory units, the one or more processing unit(s) 612retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order toexecute the processes of the subject disclosure. The one or moreprocessing unit(s) 612 can be a single processor or a multi-coreprocessor in different implementations.

The ROM 610 stores static data and instructions that are utilized by theone or more processing unit(s) 612 and other modules of the electronicsystem 600. The permanent storage device 602, on the other hand, may bea read-and-write memory device. The permanent storage device 602 may bea non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even whenthe electronic system 600 is off. In one or more implementations, amass-storage device (such as a magnetic or optical disk and itscorresponding disk drive or solid-state data storage chip) may be usedas the permanent storage device 602.

In one or more implementations, a removable storage device may be usedas the permanent storage device 602. Like the permanent storage device602, the system memory 604 may be a read-and-write memory device.However, unlike the permanent storage device 602, the system memory 604may be a volatile read-and-write memory, such as random-access memory(RAM). The system memory 604 may store one or more of the instructionsand/or data that the one or more processing unit(s) 612 may utilize atruntime. In one or more implementations, the processes of the subjectdisclosure are stored in the system memory 604, the permanent storagedevice 602, and/or the ROM 610. From these various memory units, the oneor more processing unit(s) 612 retrieve instructions to execute and datato process in order to execute the processes of one or moreimplementations.

The bus 608 also connects to the input and output device interfaces 614and 606. The input device interface 614 enables a user to communicateinformation and select commands to the electronic system 600, or enablesthe electronic system 600 to collect data and information from a sensor.Input devices that may be used with the input device interface 614 mayinclude, for example, motion sensor, torque sensor, light sensor,voltage sensor and current sensor. The output device interface 606 mayenable, for example, the display of images generated by the electronicsystem 600, or enables the electronic system 600 to drive outputdevices. Output devices that may be used with the output deviceinterface 606 may include, for example, printers and display devices,such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED)display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a flexibledisplay, a flat panel display, a solid-state display, a projector, orany other device for outputting information, or an electrical motor, apower driven reel, an electromagnetic device, or any other device formaneuvering. One or more implementations may include devices thatfunction as both input and output devices, such as a touchscreen. Inthese implementations, feedback provided to the user can be any form ofsensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactilefeedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, includingacoustic, speech, or tactile input.

As shown in FIG. 6, bus 608 also couples electronic system 600 to one ormore networks (not shown) through one or more network interface(s) 616.The one or more network interface(s) may include Bluetooth interface, aBLE interface, a Zigbee interface, an Ethernet interface, a Wi-Fiinterface, a multimedia over coax alliance (MoCA) interface, a reducedgigabit media independent interface (RGMII), or generally any interfacefor connecting to a network. In this manner, electronic system 600 canbe a part of one or more networks of computers (such as a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or an Intranet, or a networkof networks, such as the Internet. Any or all components of electronicsystem 500 can be used in conjunction with the subject disclosure.

With the implementation of the electronic system 600, the charging cordmanagement device 102, the charging cord connector 104 and the powersupply 106 may perform charging management to supply power the device108 according to pre-programed instructions, or follow real-timecommands.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, an exemplary automated charging managementsystem 700 comprises a charging cord management device 102D, one or morecharging cord connectors 104A-C, a charging cord driving device 702, thesecond charging cord 112 and a balance weight 704. The charging cordmanagement device 102D may include a reel to store the second chargingcord 112, a motor to operate the reel, and a wireless control module tooperate the motor.

The charging cord management device 102D may be installed on a wallstructure. The second charging cord 112 may be driven in the directionof the earth gravity field. The charging cord management device 102D mayinclude the charging cord management device 102 described in FIG. 1. Insome embodiments, charging cord management device 102D may include oneor more electronic systems, such as one or more of the electronic system600, to provide one or more features including timing control, drivingtorque control, position limiting, remote control, external wireless orwired communication, current control, voltage control, manual operation,switched power operation, battery charge level monitoring, human bodysensing, light sensing, infrared sensing. For example, the charging cordmanagement device 102D may be remotely operated and/or programed toselectively adjust the charging voltage, charging current and/orcharging time, via a remote-control module, to the one or more chargingcord connectors 104A-C. A remote-control module may connect to thecharging cord management device 102D through a wired connection, Wi-Fiand/or Bluetooth. The remote-control module may include one or more ofthe electronic system 600.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the charging cord driving device 702 may include aguiding wheel or a ring. The second charging cord 112 may be guidedusing the charging cord driving device 702 to connect the one or morecharging cord connectors 104A-C with one or more devices 706-708 and/orthe power supply 106. The one or more charging cord connectors 104A-Cmay include a plurality of the charging cord connectors 104 described inFIG. 1. In one embodiment, the one or more device 706-708 may includeone or more devices need to be charged, such as one or more batterysystems. The one or more devices 706-708 may be charged by the powersupply 106 via the second charging cord 112. In one embodiment, the oneor more devices 706-708 may include one or more electronic devices needto be powered, including, but not limited to one or more electronichousehold appliances. The one or more devices 706-708 may include anyelectronic device that needs to be power supplied. The one or moredevices 706-708 may be powered by the power supply 116 via the secondcharging cord 112.

A first end of the second charging cord 112 connects to the chargingcord management device 102D. A second end of the second charging cord112 connects to the balance weight 704. The balance weight 704 may beconfigured to align the second charging cord 112 along the direction ofthe earth gravity. The second charging cord 112 may remain in thedirection of the earth gravity.

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, an exemplary automated charging managementsystem 701 comprises the charging cord management device 102D, one ormore charging cord connectors 104A-C, one or more charging cord drivingdevices 710-712, the second charging cord 112 and a balance weight 714.The charging cord management device 102D may include a reel to store thesecond charging cord 112, a motor to operate the reel, and a wirelesscontrol module to operate the motor.

The charging cord management device 102D may be installed on a wallstructure. The second charging cord 112 may be driven in the directionof the earth gravity field.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the one or more charging cord driving devices710-712 may include one or more guiding wheels or one or more rings. Thesecond charging cord 112 can be guided using the one or more chargingcord driving device 710-712 to connect the one or more charging cordconnectors 104A-B with one or more devices 716-718. The one or moredevice 716-718 may include one or more devices need to be charged, suchas one or more battery systems.

The first end of the second charging cord 112 connects to the chargingcord management device 102D. The second end of the second charging cord112 connects to the balance weight 714. The balance weight 714 may beconfigured to align the second charging cord 112 along the direction ofthe earth gravity. The second charging cord 112 may remain in thedirection of the earth gravity.

The charging cord connector 104C may be installed on the balance weight714. The charging cord connector 104C may be configured to connect withthe power supply 106. In one embodiment, the one or more device 716-718may include one or more devices need to be charged, such as one or morebattery systems. The one or more devices 716-718 may be charged by thepower supply 106 via the second charging cord 112. In one embodiment,the one or more devices 716-718 may include one or more electronicdevices need to be powered, including, but not limited to one or moreelectronic household appliances. The one or more devices 716-718 mayinclude any electronic device that needs to be power supplied. The oneor more devices 716-718 may be powered by the power supply 116 via thesecond charging cord 112.

FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, an exemplary automated charging managementsystem 800 comprises one or more charging cord management devices102E-F, one or more charging cord connectors 104A-C, a charging corddriving devices 802 and the second charging cord 112. The one or morecharging cord management devices 102E-F may include one or more reels tostore the second charging cord 112, one or more motors to operate theone or more reels, and one or more wireless control modules to operatethe one or more motors. The charging cord driving device 802 may includea guiding wheel or a ring. The second charging cord 112 can be guidedusing the charging cord driving device 802 to form any desired routebetween the charging cord management device 102E and the charging cordmanagement device 102F.

The one or more charging cord management devices 102E-F may be installedon a ceiling structure. The second charging cord 112 may be drivenhorizontally, such as parallel to the surface of the ceiling structureand/or earth surface. The one or more charging cord management devices102E-F may include the charging cord management device 102 described inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the one or more charging cord managementdevices 102E-F may include one or more electronic systems, such as oneor more of the electronic system 600, to provide features includingtiming control, driving torque control, position limiting, remotecontrol, external wireless or wired communication, current control,voltage control, manual operation, switched power operation, batterycharge level monitoring, human body sensing, light sensing, infraredsensing. For example, the one or more charging cord management devices102E-F may be remotely operated and/or programed to selectively adjustthe charging voltage, charging current and/or charging time, via aremote-control module, to the one or more charging cord connectors104A-C. One or more remote-control modules may connect to the one ormore charging cord management devices 102E-F through one or more wiredconnections, Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth. The remote-control module mayinclude one or more of the electronic system 600.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the second charging cord 112 may be guided usingthe charging cord driving device 802 to connect the one or more chargingcord connectors 104A-C with one or more devices 804-806 and/or the powersupply 106. In one embodiment, the one or more device 804-806 mayinclude one or more devices need to be charged, such as one or morebattery systems. The one or more devices 804-806 may be charged by thepower supply 106 via the second charging cord 112. In one embodiment,the one or more devices 804-806 may include one or more electronicdevices need to be powered, including, but not limited to one or moreelectronic household appliances. The one or more devices 804-806 mayinclude any electronic device that needs to be power supplied. The oneor more devices 804-806 may be powered by the power supply 116 via thesecond charging cord 112.

FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 8B, an exemplary automated charging managementsystem 801 comprises the one or more charging cord management devices102E-F, one or more charging cord connectors 104A-B, one or morecharging cord driving devices 808-810 and the second charging cord 112.The one or more charging cord management devices 102E-F may include oneor more reels to store the second charging cord 112, one or more motorsto operate the one or more reels, and one or more wireless controlmodules to operate the one or more motors. The one or more charging corddriving device 808-810 may include one or more guiding wheels or one ormore rings. The second charging cord 112 can be guided using the one ormore charging cord driving devices 808-810 to form any desired routebetween the charging cord management device 102E and the charging cordmanagement device 102F.

The one or more charging cord management devices 102E-F may be installedon a ceiling structure. The second charging cord 112 may be drivenhorizontally, such as parallel to the surface of the ceiling structureand/or earth surface.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the second charging cord 112 may be guided usingthe one or more charging cord driving devices 808-810 to connect the oneor more charging cord connectors 104A-B with one or more devices812-814. In one embodiment, the one or more device 806-808 may includeone or more devices need to be charged, such as one or more batterysystems. In some embodiments, the one or more charging cord managementdevices 102E-F may include one or more power supply structures. The oneor more devices 812-814 may be charged by the one or more charging cordmanagement devices 102E-F via the second charging cord 112. In oneembodiment, the one or more devices 812-814 may include one or moreelectronic devices need to be powered, including, but not limited to oneor more electronic household appliances. The one or more devices 812-814may include any electronic device that needs to be power supplied. Theone or more devices 812-814 may be powered by the one or more chargingcord management devices 102E-F via the second charging cord 112.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providingautomated charging management according to yet another embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, an exemplary automated charging managementsystem 900 comprises a charging cord management device 102G, one or morecharging cord connectors 104A-D, a charging cord driving device 902 andthe second charging cord 112. The charging cord management device 102Gmay include a reel to store the second charging cord 112, a motor tooperate the reel, and a wireless control module to operate the motor.

The charging cord management device 102G may be installed on a wallstructure. The second charging cord 112 may be driven in the directionof the earth gravity field. The charging cord management device 102G mayinclude the charging cord management device 102 described in FIG. 1. Insome embodiments, charging cord management device 102G may include oneor more electronic systems, such as one or more of the electronic system600, to provide features including timing control, driving torquecontrol, position limiting, remote control, external wireless or wiredcommunication, current control, voltage control, manual operation,switched power operation, battery charge level monitoring, human bodysensing, light sensing, infrared sensing. For example, the charging cordmanagement device 102G may be remotely operated and/or programed toselectively adjust the charging voltage, charging current and/orcharging time, via a remote-control module, to the one or more chargingcord connectors 104A-D. A remote-control module may connect to thecharging cord management device 102G through a wired connection, Wi-Fiand/or Bluetooth. The remote-control module may include one or more ofthe electronic system 600.

As shown in FIG. 9, the charging cord driving device 902 may be aguiding wheel or a ring. The second charging cord 112 may be guidedusing the charging cord driving device 902 to connect the one or morecharging cord connectors 104A-D with one or more devices 904-908 and/ora power supply 106A. The one or more charging cord connectors 104A-D mayinclude a plurality of the charging cord connectors 104 described inFIG. 1. The device 904 may include a mobile power storage device. Thedevice 904 may move horizontally to connect with a power supply 106B.The power supply 106A and 106B may include a plurality of the powersupply 106 described in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the one or moredevice 906-908 may include one or more devices need to be charged, suchas one or more battery systems. The one or more devices 906-908 may becharged by the power supply 106A via the second charging cord 112. Theone or more devices 906-908 may be charged by the power supply 106B viathe second charging cord 112 and/or the device 904. In one embodiment,the one or more devices 906-908 may include one or more electronicdevices need to be powered, including, but not limited to one or moreelectronic household appliances. The one or more devices 906-908 mayinclude any electronic device that needs to be power supplied. The oneor more devices 906-908 may be powered by the power supply 116A via thesecond charging cord 112. The one or more devices 906-908 may be poweredby the power supply 106B via the second charging cord 112 and/or thedevice 904.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for managing automated charging, theautomated charging management system comprising: a charging cordmanagement device; a charging cord connector; a first charging cord; anda second charging cord, wherein the charging cord connector is connectedwith the second charging cord; wherein the charging cord managementdevice is configured to search for a power supply within range of thecharging cord management device without user interaction; wherein thecharging cord management device is configured to locate the power supplywithout user interaction, when it is determined that the power supply iswithin range of the charging cord management device; wherein thecharging cord management device is configured to control the secondcharging cord and the charging cord connector in a direction of theearth gravitational field from a first altitude to a second altitudewithout user interaction and wherein the first altitude is differentfrom the second altitude; and wherein the charging cord connector isconfigured to be in contact with the power supply without userinteraction.
 2. The automated charging management system of claim 1,wherein the charging cord management device further comprises a chargingcord driving device.
 3. The automated charging management system ofclaim 1, wherein the charging cord management device further comprises aport.
 4. The automated charging management system of claim 1, whereinthe charging cord management device further comprises a charging cordsupport member.
 5. The automated charging management system of claim 1,wherein the charging cord management device further comprises externalcharging cord driving devices.
 6. The automated charging managementsystem of claim 1, wherein the charging cord connector further comprisesa motor and a position sensor.
 7. The automated charging managementsystem of claim 1, wherein the charging cord connector further comprisesa wireless communication interface.
 8. The automated charging managementsystem of claim 1, wherein the first charging cord is affixed and storedin a device to be charged, and wherein the first charging cord furthercomprises features of automatic retraction and dispensation.
 9. Theautomated charging management system of claim 1, wherein the secondcharging cord is stored inside the charging cord management device. 10.The automated charging management system of claim 1, wherein the firstand the second charging cord are configured to include feature ofgravitational deformation.
 11. The automated charging management systemof claim 1, wherein the power supply further comprises a power storage.12. The automated charging management system of claim 1, wherein thepower supply is further configured to include feature of motioncapability, positioning and data communication.
 13. The automatedcharging management system of claim 1, wherein each of the charging cordmanagement device, the charging cord connector, the power supply furthercomprises a bus, a processing unit, a system memory, a read-only memory,a permanent storage device, an input device interface, an output deviceinterface, and a network interface.
 14. The automated chargingmanagement system of claim 1, wherein the power supply further comprisesa charging cord connector bracket to secure the connection between thecharging cord connector and the power supply.
 15. The power supply ofclaim 14, wherein the charging cord connector brackets is furtherconfigured to be operated by a spring, electromagnetic force or a motor.16. The charging cord management device of claim 3, wherein the port isfurther configured to be located at any position of the charging cordmanagement device.
 17. The charging cord management device of claim 5,wherein the charging cord management device further comprises a guidingwheel or a ring.
 18. The automated charging management system of claim8, the charging cord management device is configured to sense a powercapacity of the device at a pre-determined time before the charging cordmanagement device is configured to search for a power supply withinrange of the charging cord management device without user interaction.19. The automated charging management system of claim 8, the chargingcord management device is configured to detect that no motion is inproximity of the charging cord management device or the device, beforethe charging cord management device is configured to search for a powersupply within range of the charging cord management device without userinteraction.
 20. The charging cord management device of claim 8, whereinthe charging cord management device further comprises a motor, andwherein the motor is wirelessly operated to selectively extend orretract the second charging cord, based on an indication of an electricpower capacity of the device, or an indication of proximity of the powersupply, or an indication of the electric power capacity of the powersupply.